America First Committee

Definition

The America First Committee was a prominent isolationist organization in the United States founded in 1940, aimed at opposing American entry into World War II. The committee argued that the United States should focus on its own defense and avoid entanglements in foreign conflicts, reflecting a broader sentiment of isolationism during a time of unstable peace in the world. Its stance was rooted in a belief that intervention would only lead to further conflict and suffering for Americans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The America First Committee was established in response to growing concerns about U.S. involvement in World War II and had over 800,000 members at its peak.
2. Charles Lindbergh, an aviator and celebrity, became one of the most influential figures within the committee, using his fame to promote its isolationist message.
3. The committee organized rallies, distributed literature, and held meetings across the country to advocate for its anti-interventionist stance.
4. Despite its popularity, the America First Committee faced significant criticism for its views, especially after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.
5. The organization disbanded shortly after the U.S. entered World War II, as public opinion shifted dramatically towards supporting the war effort.

Review Questions

• How did the America First Committee reflect the isolationist sentiments of many Americans during the late 1930s and early 1940s?
  • The America First Committee embodied the strong isolationist sentiments prevalent among many Americans during this period, as it sought to keep the United States out of foreign conflicts like World War II. Many citizens feared that involvement would lead to unnecessary casualties and disrupt American life. The committee's activities, such as rallies and distribution of pamphlets, showcased a widespread desire to prioritize national defense and focus on domestic issues rather than international engagements.
• Analyze the impact of key figures like Charles Lindbergh on the message and effectiveness of the America First Committee.
  • Charles Lindbergh significantly influenced the America First Committee's message due to his celebrity status and public speaking skills. His passionate advocacy for isolationism attracted media attention and swayed public opinion toward anti-interventionist views. However, Lindbergh's controversial remarks regarding race and Nazi Germany eventually polarized opinions about him, leading some supporters to distance themselves from both him and the committee as tensions increased surrounding America's potential entry into World War II.
• Evaluate how the events leading up to and including Pearl Harbor affected the America First Committee's influence on American policy and public sentiment.
  • The attack on Pearl Harbor marked a pivotal moment that dramatically diminished the influence of the America First Committee. Prior to this event, the committee had successfully garnered support for isolationism, but after Pearl Harbor, there was a swift shift in public sentiment towards supporting military intervention. As calls for unity and national security intensified, the committee's arguments were increasingly viewed as outdated or even unpatriotic, leading to its disbandment shortly thereafter. This transformation illustrates how external events can rapidly reshape political movements and public attitudes.

Related terms

Isolationism: A foreign policy approach advocating for a nation to avoid alliances and conflicts with other countries, focusing instead on domestic affairs.

Lindbergh, Charles: A prominent spokesperson for the America First Committee, known for his strong advocacy of isolationism and opposition to U.S. involvement in World War II.

Neutrality Acts:

A series of laws passed by the U.S. Congress in the 1930s aimed at keeping the United States out of international conflicts by restricting arms sales and loans to belligerent nations.